Topic
The International Consequences of Brexit
Instructions
This assignment is designed to encourage you to use the sources and reading we have done for the second half of the semester, to inform a critical analysis of global history and the various dynamics and actors that shape its evolution. The questions each ask you to think critically about how specific events (World War, Genocide, international relations in the Global South, global protests) connect with different aspects of global history, and/or how these events shaped subsequent dynamics of international politics.
The essay questions largely revolve around the required readings for the corresponding week’s topic, and you should primarily engage with these readings in order to complete the assignment. However, we also expect some further reading in order to substantiate your analysis.
Answer Preview
The EU has been a massive force when it comes to global affairs and it has relied on the commitment and contributions of its member states to achieve the status. The EU has collaborated with other global bodies like the UN and the Common Wealth, to pursue specific objectives that foster world peace and progress (Wessel, 2018). Most importantly, the UK is an active member who participates in decision-making during such essential sessions. In that regard, the UK will miss the numerical advantage and the economic strength of Britain in a majority of its deliberations. The exit will weaken the EU, considering that UK membership offered the European Union greater weight and broader reach (Wessel, 2018). As a result, the EU could speak in one voice on issues like trade, sanctions as well as human rights. It is worth pointing out that the EU could exert substantial influence in Eastern Europe, the Balkans and Africa (Westcott, 2017). However, without the contribution of Britain, it will be difficult to organize such activities. As a result, the EU voice might become weaker, hence losing balance in the global context.
Word Count: 2200